Palace: No regret implementing DAP

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Despite the Supreme Court declaring parts of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) unconstitutional, Malacañang on Wednesday said it does not regret the implementation of the program, which, it said, benefited many Filipinos.

While Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda declined to react on the news pending the release of the full and official copy of the SC decision, he said DAP had served its purpose.

Lacierda, who is also a lawyer, emphasized that unconstitutionality “does not equate to wrongdoing.”

Asked who should be held accountable, he said unconstitutionality should also not be equated to criminality.

“How does one regret a decision to help thousands of people, of our countrymen?” he said. “These are noble projects which have benefited the people.”

Lacierda said it was just that the interpretation of the executive was different from the interpretation of the Supreme Court.

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